Keely Hodgkinson ‘accidentally’ runs third-fastest 800m of all time to set stunning new British indoor record

Keely Hodgkinson has broken the British women’s 800m record with a stunning display at the UK Athletics Indoor Championships.

The 2024 Olympic gold medallist ran 1:56.33 during the heats to make history on the track in Birmingham.

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Hodgkinson has also entered third in the world indoor all-time list – Jolanda Ceplak leads with 1:55.82 ahead of Stefanie Graf on 1:55.85.

Despite her record race, the 23-year-old won’t race in Sunday’s final due to the World Athletics Indoor Tour Gold meeting on Thursday.

And when she spoke trackside, she appeared to suggest that it was not her plan to run such a fast time.

“I know I am in really good shape at the moment,” she said post-race via European Athletics.

“I’m grateful to run in front of a British crowd. It was a lot of fun.

“I just wanted to practice that new 800m start [the break from lanes is now after 165m] and it was a good opportunity to do that.

“I guess I accidentally ran quite fast!”

Speaking ahead of her race in France during the week, she added: “I think it’s all about being fearless, not being afraid of the pain and getting the best out of myself.

“I’m excited to see what that looks like.”

Hodgkinson: World record is mine to break

On the outdoor track, Hodgkinson has the sixth-best all-time 800m record with 1:54.61, 0:1.33 behind leader Jarmila Kratochvilova.

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However, she has now set her sights on the indoor world record, with her best time just 0:0.51 adrift of Ceplak’s leading time set in 2002.

“I have been very vocal in the past about wanting to get it,” she said via the BBC.

“I feel like it is my record to break. We’ll give it a good go.”

It’s an illustrious achievement that would only add to a list of honours that Hodgkinson already has in the early stages of her career.

She has taken gold and silver Olympic medals in the 800m, with two silvers and a bronze coming at the World Championships.

Hodgkinson has also won gold in the event in the past two European Championship tournaments.

A third could follow later this year, with the 2026 edition taking place in Birmingham from August 10 to 16.